8x9" graphite and colored pencils on Fabiano Artistico smooth paper. The photo reference is mine. This was drawn while caring for my sick Mom in Florida. The photo and layout were started and abandoned some months ago, so when I packed up my stuff, I decided to bring the project along. Good thing because it was a much needed break from a deplorable situation. The image depicts my Diva cat Charlotte peeking behind a tree. The full color red leaf was added for fun. This drawing is available for $385.00. If interested in purchasing, go to SHOP, which will send you over to my ETSY site.

This has been such an exciting few weeks! I've just sold "Fly BY" to an amazing woman from Germany who works with cancer patients. She intends to hang this on the wall of her office, to share with her patients. How wonderful to know that my imagery might give someone a needed reason to smile.
This is the second item she has bought from me, which makes it all the more fun. She seems to like my fantasy cats, proving that its okay for me to step off the well worn path into the weeds and paint what I like. I don't have to worry about confusing my audience with an occasional change of approach. I paint all kinds of subjects, from landscapes to facetious young women, some realistic, some fantastic and as long as I stick to the story, people continue to enjoy my work and I don't get bored. And trust me, this girl thrives on challenge!

If you have ever wondered why the real life artists aren't as happy-go-lucky as they are reputed to be, consider the expenses incurred in self promotion. For instance, did you know that an artist pays a submission fee of $30.00 to $50.00 for every image submitted to a juried show? Did you know that if the piece or pieces are accepted, the artist pays for presentation requirements, shipping and insurance, to and from said exhibition? For example, some shows require plexiglass, which is nearly twice as expensive as conservation glass. (Don't even ask about UV blocking Plexi.) I recently sent two pieces to California. My shipping plus return shipping total was nearly $400.00. Expenses like these are a calculated risk against a possible sale or the possible lead. How many small businesses take that kind of risk? As I've said numerous times, being an artist is not for the faint of heart.

This triptych study of my daughter's cat Linus has had more Facebook shares and likes and pins than I ever imagined. I did several cp paintings from the series of reference photos taken of Linus two from the graphite study. The graphite triptych sold to an extreme cat lover who set aside money from her limited retirement income for five months. She was delighted to finally unwrap the framed piece after months of waiting. As luck would have it, I was at the gallery to witness the reveal. It was a great moment for both of us. Just a simple pencil drawing, but well loved. These moments are what keep me on track.
No matter the medium, if a portrait reaches into someone's heart, it is a success.